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    Wales wait on news of Luton star Tom Lockyer after horror collapse in Championship play-off final

    WALES remain in the dark over the cause of Tom Lockyer’s shock collapse in the Championship play-off final.The Luton captain, 28, remains in hospital after he was carried off on a stretcher just eight minutes into the Wembley penalty shootout triumph over Coventry last Saturday to reach the Premier League.
    Tom Lockyer celebrated Luton’s promotion to the Premier League from a hospital bed after he collapsed on the Wembley pitch against Coventry last SaturdayCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Lockyer remains in hospital where he has been undergoing testsCredit:
    Dragons boss Robert Page had a 20-minute phone conversation on Monday but has opted not to select the 14-cap centre-back for the Euro 2024 double-header against Armenia and Turkey next month.
    Lockyer is expected to have further tests to determine the reason for the collapse and if he gets the green light then Page says he would ‘absolutely’ call him up to add to his 25-man squad.
    Page said: “Nobody has established what the problem is with Tom. I can’t speculate. He’s ok at the minute.
    “You don’t like to see any player go down injured and because of how he went down, you do wonder what the reasons were.
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    “It would be silly of me to even suggest what those reasons were. It’s for Luton to make a statement with regards to what they are doing.
    “We will just have to wait and see what they come up with. There will be further investigations to see what’s going on. Our medical team will be in contact with Luton.
    “You are always going to phone your players and show them support. We had a great conversation. He’s frustrated and disappointed.
    “As soon as he’s fit again he will be back involved. The most important thing is his health.”
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    Luton captain Lockyer was denied the chance of walking up the Wembley steps to lift the Championship play-off trophyCredit: PA
    Page says he was ‘gutted’ for Lockyer, who missed out on the chance of walking up the Wembley steps and lifting the play-off trophy.
    The Wales chief had the honour of leading Watford to the Prem through the play-offs during his playing days and added: “I was lucky to do it in 1999 with Watford – that was incredible.
    “I am gutted for him and his family. He more than anybody deserved to walk those steps and lift that trophy.
    “But I still believe there will be more moments like that for him in his career. Knowing Tom he will bounce back.
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    “He’s had an incredible season so he was going to be in my plans. Would they have got promoted without him? Probably not because he’s been that key to their performances.”
    Wales, who picked up four points from their opening two qualifiers in March, travel to Portugal for a warm weather training camp on June 8.
    Then the Dragons host Armenia in Cardiff on June 16 followed by a trip to Turkey three days later.
    David Brooks is back in the Wales squad after returning to football following a cancer diagnosis on international duty in October 2021Credit: Alamy
    Page has recalled Bournemouth’s David Brooks for the first time since his successful battle against cancer.
    The Wales boss said: “I wanted to pick him in March. He played some minutes before that camp and I wanted to get him involved as soon as possible.
    “I get that it was too quick, too soon and it was more beneficial for him to stay behind and play for Bournemouth Under-23s in a game that was organised for him.
    “Now it’s a different situation. He’s back fit and starting games in the Premier League. He’s the quality to be in our plans moving forward. I’ve touched base with him by text and he can’t wait to meet up.
    “He’s going to have to be patient. Is he going to start two games in June? Probably not. He might have some cameo roles.”
    Neco Williams is included despite fracturing his jaw for Nottingham Forest in April while captain Aaron Ramsey expects to be fit following a minor calf injury.
    Page added: “Aaron has played more football this season than he has done for the last few years. The little niggle, and that’s all it is, has probably come at a good time for him.
    “He’s at an age now where he knows his body and how to manage it. He’s got one eye on these two games and it is not an issue.
    “I know he’s enjoying his football in Nice. He’s played quite a few games and there are worse places in the world to live and life’s good for him.”
    Wales squad
    Hennessey, Ward, A Davies
    Rodon, Cabango, Mepham, Low, Roberts, Fox, Williams, B Davies, Ampadu
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    Morrell, J James, Ramsey, Wilson, Broadhead, Cooper, Harris
    Johnson, Moore, Bradshaw, D James, Brooks, Cullen More

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    Barnsley 0 Sheffield Wednesday 1: Josh Windass heads in dramatic late winner as Owls seal Championship return in final

    JOSH WINDASS followed in the footsteps of his dad Dean to become a Wembley play-off hero after shooting Sheffield Wednesday into the Championship.The midfielder clinched victory with a 123rd-minute diving header to break 10-man Barnsley’s hearts — after getting on the end of Lee Gregory’s cross.
    Sheffield Wednesday are back in the Championship after a 1-0 playoff final win over BarnsleyCredit: Rex
    Darren Moore followed up the Peterborough comeback with a stunning promotion winCredit: Getty
    Josh Windass scored a dramatic 123rd minute winner at WembleyCredit: Getty
    Windass’ dramatic winner sparked wild celebrations from the OwlsCredit: Getty
    Club legend Barry Bannan was overcome with emotion at the final whistleCredit: Getty
    It comes 15 years after dad Windass Snr, 54, scored Hull’s winner against Bristol City to seal promotion to the Premier League.
    Windass, 29, was embraced on the pitch at the end by his old man before he climbed the Wembley steps to hold aloft the League One play-off trophy.
    And his proud dad said: “It’s incredible, absolutely incredible. I told him before the game he’d get the winner. I can’t believe he actually headed it. Wow.
    “I’m the proudest man in the world. I have no words. 
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    “I can’t believe it. He loves his football and has sacrificed his life for it since he was two years old.”
    There were just FIVE SECONDS left of the three allotted three minutes of stoppages ref Tim Robinson had added.
    For Wednesday, it was another glorious moment in their illustrious 155-year history as they returned to the Championship.
    They had laboured against the 10 men of Barnsley after Adam Phillips was sent off four minutes into the second half and were lucky not to concede a penalty after Gregory hacked down Liam Kitching.
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    Windass headed home with the last touch of the League One play-off final against BarnsleyCredit: Getty
    Wednesday fans were over the moon as they narrowly avoided a dreaded penalty shootoutCredit: PA
    Windass’ teammates were delighted to have secured a return to the second tierCredit: Getty
    Windass will got down in the history books at WednesdayCredit: Reuters
    Lee Gregory fell to his knees as the whistle blewCredit: Reuters
    But they came up with a moment of quality when it mattered most.
    Yet, for Michael Duff’s side, it was cruel. They were the better team, should have had that spot kick and not been reduced to 10 men.
    But Wednesday deserved promotion. Their 96 points would have normally been enough to go up automatically — but for the brilliance of champions Plymouth and runners-up Ipswich.
    And then to overcome a 4-0 deficit against Peterborough after their semi-final play-off first leg to go on to win promotion is the stuff of fairytales.
    Boss Darren Moore said: “It goes to show the impossible can be achieved with great belief, understanding, it’s a fairytale story.
    “I’m pleased for this club because we can now prepare for the Championship with the huge fan base we’ve got so we make the right decisions internally to compete and be successful.
    “This is a special and delightful moment to help this club back up. It shows when everyone comes together what can be achieved. It’s been a long journey but one that was worthwhile.”
    But you have to feel for Barnsley. All the EFL play-off finals had the benefit of VAR — but you must wonder what is the point when they cannot spot obvious mistakes.
    It was heartache for Barnley at the final whistleCredit: Getty
    Fans couldn’t believe the dramatic late blowCredit: PA
    Barnsley will be spending another season in League OneCredit: Rex
    Wednesday toasted their accomplishment by lifting the playoff final trophyCredit: Rex
    Manager Moore will be hoping to prevent instant relegation next seasonCredit: Rex
    The penalty incident, in particular, was baffling. 
    Barnsley boss Michael Duff groaned: “It’s a cruel game.
    “I’ve had enough messages on my phone to tell me the decisions were wrong. I spoke to Jobi Morris and Clinton Morrison at half time and they both said it was a penalty and not a red card.
    “That adds to the frustration. I thought the red card was a booking, there was no malice or intent.  
    “And we’ve also not had a penalty all season and to not get one in the biggest game of all is a bug bear. You would’ve thought VAR would eradicate these things.
    ‘I thought we would’ve grown stronger with 10 men. It was their players who were going down with cramp.
    “There were a lot of tears. They are a young group and sometimes you must learn the hard way.”
    Kitching deflected a Nicky Cadden volley on to the bar with his head for Barnsley while Wednesday keeper Cameron Dawson made top stops from Cadden and James Norwood.
    Tykes keeper Harry Isted produced superb saves to keep out Dominic Iorfa and Bannan.
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    But Luca Connell missed a sitter for Barnsley just six yards out before Will Vaulks thought he had won it for Wednesday before celebrations were ended by an offside flag.
    Then came the Windass show … and Wednesday are back in the Championship. More

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    People are only just realising why Sheffield Wednesday are called ‘Wednesday’

    PEOPLE are only just realising why Sheffield Wednesday are called ‘Wednesday’.The Owls are one of the most iconic clubs in English football and not just because they have a day of the week in their name.
    Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest clubs in world football
    Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest football clubs in the world.
    The Yorkshire based outfit actually started out as a cricket club called the Wednesday Cricket Club, which was founded in 1820.
    The club was named after the day of the week on which it played their matches and because founding members had a half day off work.
    In 1867 the club created the Wednesday Football Club as a way to keep the players fit in the colder months when cricket wasn’t usually played.
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    The club turned professional in 1887 and adopted their current name of Sheffield Wednesday in 1929.
    They adopted the nickname the Owls following their move to Owlerton in Sheffield.
    However, Sheffield United fans used to refer to them as pigs because of a story which suggested their current stadium Hillsborough was built on a pig sty in the 1880s.
    The Owls have won nine major honours in their history including four first division titles and three FA Cups.
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    The club haven’t been in the Premier League since 2000 and are currently in League One.
    Darren Moore’s side staged a memorable comeback from 4-0 down in the first leg against Peterborough to win on penalties.
    They have a chance to earn promotion to the Championship against Barnsley in today’s League One play-off final. More

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    Coventry 1 Luton 1 (5-6 pens): Hatters win £170m match in dramatic fashion to reach Premier League for first time ever

    LUTON have reached the Premier League for the first time in their history after poor Coventry sub Fankaty Dabo blinked first in a penalty shoot-out.The game had finished 1-1 after Gus Hamer’s second-half equaliser for the Sky Blues chalked off Jordan Clark’s blast.
    The moment Luton secured promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Fankaty Dabo misses the deciding penaltyCredit: PA
    Dan Potts celebrates as Dabo holds his head in his handsCredit: PA
    Jordan Clark opened the scoring for LutonCredit: Getty
    Gustavo Hamer restored parity after half-timeCredit: PA
    Joe Taylor thought he had won it late on in extra-timeCredit: Getty
    Luton thought they had won it when sub Joe Taylor netted with four minutes of extra-time to go but it was ruled out by VAR for handball.
    To penalties it went, with the first 11 takers all scoring until luckless Dabo blazed high and wide.
    The Hatters have not been in the top flight since 1992 – the year before the Prem was introduced – when they were relegated under David Pleat.
    But they hit the jackpot on a scorching hot day at Wembley, taking the £170million prize that comes with triumphing in the Championship play-off final in the most dramatic way possible.
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    They did it for the most part as well without captain Tom Lockyer, who was carried off on a stretcher inside 12 minutes after collapsing on the pitch in worrying scenes and was sent to hospital.
    The Welsh international was thankfully reported to be responsive and talking, and he would have been immensely proud of his team in his absence.
    It means the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal will all be heading next term to Kenilworth Road, a ground that was hosting non-league football a decade ago.
    The remarkable journey has not come without its setbacks, and they had a deeply concerning one here to contend with when Lockyer stumbled to the turf.
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    He received on-field medical treatment before he was taken off on a stretcher and given gas and air in the tunnel.
    The 28-year-old’s worried parents rushed down to see him in the medical room before he was taken to hospital for more tests, but thankfully was said to be responsive and talking.
    Yet Luton impressively kept their composure and deservedly took the lead with 23 minutes played.
    The goal itself was a combination of the route-one cliche of lower league football and the high-skill level that it actually often is.
    It began with a huge whack up the field from Alfie Doughty but there was nothing rudimentary about what Elijah Adebayo did with the ball when he received it.
    The Fulham academy graduate showed some clever footwork to bamboozle Kyle McFadzean before teeing up Clark who smashed home at the near post.
    Sky Blues defender Luke McNally summed up his side’s first half when he carelessly passed the ball out of play.
    Luton had the ball in the back of the net again with four minutes to the break but again it was chalked off.
    Callum Doyle tried to clear when Doughty had seen a shot blocked, but the Coventry defender’s hack away smashed into Adebayo’s hand and went in.
    To be fair to Luton’s tricky No11, he instantly fessed up and a free-kick was given.
    Coventry had to respond and Robins decided to bring on striker Matty Godden at half-time for Jamie Allen at the break.
    The sea of Sky Blue supporters cranked up the noise and they were rewarded with a terrific equaliser on 66 minutes.
    A rapid counter-attack saw Viktor Gyokeres set away down the left and the Swede had the presence of mind to cut it back for Hamer, whose first-time strike found the corner.
    Suddenly it was Coventry in the ascendancy and Godden, who had brought some much-needed urgency, had his head in his hands after blazing over.
    Robins’ men were dealt an injury blow of their own as Hamer was forced off after landing awkwardly following an aerial battle, and full-time blew with the score at 1-1.
    Coventry fans breathed a huge sigh of relief nine minutes into the first half of extra-time when Clark went down in the box as keeper Ben Wilson rushed out.
    But ref Michael Oliver deemed it a dive and promptly booked Clark, who had taken the armband from stricken Lockyer.
    Luton thought they had won it late on when Jonathan Panzo’s horror mistake let in Taylor, who found the back of the net.
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    But VAR correctly spotted Taylor had handled in the build-up and it was chalked off, sparking a huge roar from the blue half of Wembley.
    To spot-kicks it went, and every single taker was clinical until poor Dabo, the 12th taker with Luton leading 6-5, missed the target by some way. More

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    Former Man Utd keeper once singled out by most opposition managers wakes up unemployed aged 22 after he’s released

    JACOB CARNEY has been released by Sunderland after just one appearance in two years for the Black Cats.The former Manchester United academy starlet signed a two-year deal with the Wearsiders following his Old Trafford exit in 2021.
    Jacob Carney was previously on the books at Man UnitedCredit: Getty
    Carney, 22, made just one senior appearance for Sunderland – ironically against Man United’s Under-23s in an EFL Trophy match last season.
    This term he found himself stuck behind goalkeepers Anthony Patterson and Alex Bass, and scarcely made the matchday squad.
    He played seven times in the Premier League 2 for Sunderland’s Under-21s during the 2022-23 campaign.
    Carney has been released alongside Black Cats team-mate Carl Winchester.
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    During his time at United he enjoyed three loan spells away, including at Northern Irish side Portadown.
    He impressed during his stint in Northern Ireland, and made opposition bosses take note.
    Portadown gaffer Matthew Tipton gushed about Carney’s skills to the News Letter at the time.
    He said: “Most opposition managers single out Jacob after our games and I am just delighted with everything overall since he joined the club.
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    “I would love him to stay with us again next season and he has really settled in well since moving over to Northern Ireland.
    “One massive bonus Jacob gives us is his kicking ability and that decision-making to quickly get us on the front foot.”
    Carney will now be looking to join a new club ahead of pre-season.
    The goalkeeper impressed while on loan at Portadown in Northern IrelandCredit: Pacemaker More

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    Wigan slapped with another four-point deduction and will start 2023-24 League One season on MINUS EIGHT

    WIGAN will start League One with MINUS EIGHT points next season after being docked a further four.The Latics failed to meet a funding deadline by the EFL to cover the costs of the club’s next wage bill.
    Wigan will start the 2023-24 League One season on minus eight pointsCredit: PA
    Owner Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi’s two previous late payments had already triggered a four-point deduction last week, with another four suspended.
    The March wages were due on Friday 10 but did not get done until a full fortnight later while the May payments were not completed until Tuesday 16, 11 days late.
    But after missing Friday’s extended 9am deadline to deposit 125 per cent of the forecast monthly wage bill, the EFL wasted no time in throwing the book at Wigan by triggering the extra four points for 2023-24.
    The EFL said: “This follows a previous sanction of four points after failing to pay its players’ wages on time in March 2023 and May 2023.
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    “The EFL has spent the past 48 hours in dialogue with the club in an attempt to find a positive outcome to the issue but as of 09:00 BST Friday morning the required funds have not been deposited.”
    It has been a dire season on and off the pitch for Wigan.

    As well as the financial woes that led to anger at the owner from players and threats of striking, the club went through three managers – including a nightmare two months for Kolo Toure – and ultimately ended up relegated.
    The Latics finished bottom of the Championship on 39 points, with six deducted from their ten wins and 15 draws for late payments earlier in the season – before the further eight for the new campaign.
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    In a lengthy open letter to fans, Latics chairman Talal Al Hammad said: “I want to confirm that an eight-figure sum is currently being processed and is due to land in the Club account imminently. This funding will also ensure financial stability for June and the 2023-24 season.
    “We have been transparent with the EFL who have had full visibility of this amount throughout the process following Friday’s [19 May] statement.
    “It is important to address the numerous late wage payments. As I have previously stated, I recognise this is totally unacceptable.
    “We have learnt from the unsustainable wage budget of this season and consequently have developed a more sustainable strategy for the Club, focused on the development of younger players, especially those that have come through the 3PL Wigan Athletic Academy. 
    “After meetings with the Board and Technical Board, the wage budget for this coming season has been agreed upon. It will be over 65 per cent less than what it was this season, making it a much more sustainable budget from an ownership perspective. We know, however, that this will still be a competitive budget in League One.
    “There have been many questions about the owners’ commitment to the Club. He is fully committed to Wigan Athletic. As an ownership group and Board, we recognise we have a lot of trust to rebuild and this starts again now.
    “We will start next season with a points deduction and that we truly regret and apologise to all fans and stakeholders. This is a culmination of the struggles of the past season.
    “We cannot change the past, but what we can do is look to the future. We recognise we must rebuild trust with you.”
    Shaun Maloney’s side finished bottom of the Championship and were relegatedCredit: Rex More

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    Stockport boss Dave Challinor aiming for seventh heaven by going from Colwyn Bay to Wembley

    DAVE Challinor aims to go to seventh heaven by going from Llanelian Road to Wembley.And the Stockport boss believes the same things apply as he goes for a League One place as when he guided Colwyn Bay to elevation from the then Evo-Stik Premier Division.
    Stockport aim to make it seven promotions for boss Dave Challinor on SundayCredit: PA:Press Association
    The surroundings will be very different from 2011 – about 50,000 are expected at Wembley on Sunday when his first success was secured in front of 2,000.
    However, memories of 12 years ago remain vivid and despite much larger financial rewards, the same theories will apply against Carlisle.
    Challinor said: “I played in most of the games of the first promotion, so it was different – and I wasn’t very good!
    “But it’s not too dissimilar. I remember the first one well, Colwyn Bay v FC United in a play-off game and Jon Newby scored the winner.
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    “It’s the polar opposite in terms of where the clubs were but getting a club the size of Colwyn Bay into Conference North isn’t dissimilar to getting Stockport promoted to League One.
    “It was an amazing feeling and those feelings, whether it was that one or the most recent one in terms of play-offs, with Hartlepool, don’t change.
    “They’re unbelievable and I hope I experience it again on Sunday.”
    County missed out on automatic promotion on the final day but secured their first Wembley place since 2008 by defeating Salford City on penalties.
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    However, a dodgy start after ending an 11-year Football League exile is still rued – but the first day ‘reality check’ of being 3-0 down after half an hour against Barrow helped, even though Challinor did not lose belief.
    As he weighs up whether to hand Will Collar, Ryan Rydel and Antoni Sarcevic starting spots, he added: “I wanted to get to half-time first and foremost but I told the players, whether it was me being stupid or not, I don’t know, ‘I think we can still win the game.’
    Challinor remembers promotion number one ahead of facing Carlisle at WembleyCredit: DAVE PINEGAR
    “We’d made three individual mistakes that had cost us three goals. We still should’ve got something from it, though.
    “I’d suggest that wasn’t the making of us, we won two of our first 11 – not the greatest of starts – but I still had belief in the group, that didn’t change after 45 minutes.
    “Maybe from the outside, that was a bit of a reality check of where we were and what we needed to be. Some of the players were maybe dented from it but we’ve built.
    “To still have that chance of success is a massive compliment to how they’ve adapted and found a way – hopefully on Sunday we can find that final way.” More

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    Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney reveal new Wrexham stadium name in hilarious video but fans are confused by spelling

    RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have hilariously announced Wrexham’s historic Racecourse Ground’s new name – but fans have been left confused.The American movie stars are still celebrating after finally securing the Welsh club’s return to the Football League after winning the National League.
    Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have announced the Racecourse Ground’s new nameCredit: https://twitter.com/Wrexham_AFC
    The Wrexham owners announced it with a hilarious videoCredit: https://twitter.com/Wrexham_AFC
    It will now be known as The SToK Cae Ras – or SToK RacecourseCredit: https://twitter.com/Wrexham_AFC
    The Wrexham players reacted furiously in the video clip from ‘tea-time’Credit: https://twitter.com/Wrexham_AFC
    The Hollywood duo are now in the process of redeveloping the ground and are planning an £18million revamp of their matchday facilities.
    Now Reynolds and McElhenney, who bought Wrexham in a £2m deal in 2021, have announced a brand sponsorship for one the world’s oldest international football stadiums.
    And their home will now be known as The SToK Cae Ras – or SToK Racecourse – after they sold the naming rights to the American cold brew coffee brand. 
    The news was announced by the pair in a video that poked fun at Britain’s traditional love of afternoon tea.
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    They swapped their players’ refreshment for STōK cold brew coffee – and when the squad found out their reaction was one of fury in the clip.
    A cup was thrown in anger, and it narrowly missed hitting their newly-earned National League trophy, thanks to goalkeeper Ben Foster making the save.
    Fans lapped up the clip after it was released on social media on Wrexham’s channels, although some were left a little confused as to what their stadium will be actually called from now on.
    One asked: “So is it called the stoke cold brew racecourse now?”
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    Another said: “So we’re now the Stoke Racecourse Stadium? Not a lot of thought went into that did it FFS!”
    Another commented: “I like that the sponsor isn’t gambling etc, but I think it sounds an awful lot like “Stoke Racecourse…”
    While a fellow fan said: “Brings a whole new meaning to a cold Tuesday in Stok.”
    Meanwhile, Reynolds took the pee out of his Wrexham FC co-owner – by dedicating a urinal to him.
    The Deadpool star unveiled a plaque bearing fellow actor Rob McElhenney’s face to mark his 45th birthday on Thursday.
    Reynolds and McElhenney — who stars in long-running US sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia — took over the National League club last February, and immediately pumped £2million into it.
    In February they forked out on 365 gin and tonics for fans to mark a year since their takeover.
    The now League Two side were also flown over to the USA as a reward for getting promoted earlier this month for a squad celebration in Las Vegas.
    Fortunately Ben Foster was on hand to save the day in the clipCredit: https://twitter.com/Wrexham_AFC More